“Now we have to see what John wants to do because I think he can play for another one or two years.

“This feels like when we lost Didier (Drogba) last summer. (Terry) is a huge personality at Chelsea. When you lose these kind of players, you have to replace them but I don’t know how John can be replaced. We have to think about it.

“For me he can play many more times. He is still at a top level. He has been playing very well since I arrived at Chelsea. He can continue for sure.

“His performances have been consistent. Since I have been at the club, I haven’t seen him play badly. That’s the truth. He was always helping everybody.

“He has been a massive support to me. When I started my first games last year he was always talking to me. He is a legend and a very good leader. I have learnt a lot from him. I don’t know what to say, I am very surprised.”